Richard Ginika Izuora
An Ikeja High Court on Thursday, February 20; sentenced a former part-time lecturer with the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Akin Baruwa, to 21 years’ imprisonment for raping an 18-year-old admission seeker.
It was reported that Justice Josephine Oyefeso while sentencing Baruwa; described his action as heinous.
Oyefeso held that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others.
“The offence committed against this young lady was a violation of her chastity; which would have left huge emotional scars from which I pray and hope she will recover.
“This is a crime that not only offends the survivor, it offends her family, it offends the society at large, it also offends God.
“More painful here is that the convict gave the family the impression that he was a lecturer at UNILAG; but his services were only needed on an ad-hoc basis by the university,” the judge said.
She said that the convict gave the impression that he could assist in giving his victim university admission whereas he could not.
“He used the vulnerability of this young girl to his selfish advantage.
“The young lady said that the encounter lasted for two to five minutes; the convict said 10 to 15 minutes. Was it worth it at the end of the day?
“In line with Section 258 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011; Baruwa Afeez Akin is hereby sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment,” she held.
Earlier, Oyefeso said that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Furthermore, the medical evidence was consistent with the testimony of the victim.
“It is interesting to note that all the graphic details he gave in court in his testimony were not contained in his statement at the Surulere Police Station.
“The difference between his statement and his evidence is like night and day. DW1 (Baruwa) has a fertile imagination and is not afraid to use it.
“The evidence before me overwhelmingly shows that the sexual intercourse; between PW3 (complainant) and DW1 was not consensual; I so hold. The court is satisfied that the prosecution has been able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“I find you Baruwa Afeez Akin guilty of a one-count charge of rape contrary to Section 258(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011; and I hereby convict you accordingly,” she said.
